2009 Progress Entrant - Graeme Dunnett

Contents:- -Intro- Report -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- -15- -16- -17- -Final-

Report 11 - Week beginning 16/03/09

Have you stuck to the training programme? If not any reasons why?

Well yes and no!! I used the framework of the programme but changed the predicted times for the steady repetitions to fit in with what was achievable for the distance given. This worked well for me as I had clear feedback after every rep. as to whether I had made the fatal mistake of running the first one too fast and then dying progressively as I went through the session.

Have you done more or less than expected? Explain.

I've done more which is great; think I must be catching the running bug big style. I am now tempted to go out just because it is good weather.

How did you feel during training this week? What were the highs and lows?

It was a strange feeling this week mostly because I did not know what to expect or how to feel. I found the cool down runs challenging as my legs were definitely telling me I had worked out with my comfort zone. The high was making the transition to (slow) speed work with moderate discomfort and lows...... no can't think of any

Are you seeing improvements; in speed, distance, breathing?

I now have two gears - can't be bad. However, I did the first steady rep. session with Emma and Oonagh... funny how two 13 year old girls can make my two minutes for 400m seem pedestrian....they 'tanked' me good and proper!!

Where are you walking/running; gym, beach, roads, forests?

All my running sessions were at Achvarasdal woods. There's always something new to see with the changing weather and seasons.

Are you training alone/with someone else/mixture? How does this affect your training?

Did first session with my Emma and Oonagh and then the rest by myself. I am getting better at disciplining myself ... the loneliness of the long distance runner and all that!!

Any injuries?

Very slight pain in my right knee but I'm told it's my age!!

Are you feeling any benefits away from training as a result of the training; health, toning up, more energetic?

I feel I can join in much more with the girls when they are doing their gentle training runs but more importantly I feel better within myself. My fitness has improved greatly and l'm looking forward to May the 10th!!!

Are you doing any other forms of exercise; swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates?

I did an extra 20min run at the beginning of the week just for the sheer pleasure of doing it. I also walked 4 x 1 mile at lunchtimes during the week with some work colleagues and finished the week on Mother Days with a 5 mile walk with Sophie and the twins.

Any other observations?

Now I feel as if I have passed the half way point in my training and that this is really going to happen, I have embarked on collecting sponsorship for a Rotary cause of reducing child mortality. So don't avoid me when you see me coming towards you with a sheet of A4 paper.